What is another name for legal assistance?

Asked by: Keenan West  |  Last update: August 27, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (50 votes)

While the terms “legal assistant” and “paralegal” are often used interchangeably, the roles of today's legal assistants and paralegals are different. In fact, the American Bar Association (ABA) only revised its definition of a paralegal to remove the term “legal assistant” in 2020.

What is the fancy name for a legal assistant?

Paralegals, also known as legal paraprofessionals, typically perform more substantive legal work under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Their responsibilities often include: Conducting legal research. Drafting legal documents and correspondence.

What is another name for legal support?

The terms “legal secretary”, “legal assistant”, and “paralegal” are sometimes used interchangeably.

What are legal assistants called?

At the time, this was a very progressive development for the paralegal profession and the hope was that more states would follow California's example. None did so. By legal definition under the statute, in California, the terms are interchangeable.

How to list a legal assistant on a resume?

  1. Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume Example. ...
  2. Create a profile by summarizing your legal assistant qualifications. ...
  3. Add your legal assistant experience with compelling examples. ...
  4. Include legal assistant-related education and certifications. ...
  5. Include a list of skills and proficiencies related to legal assistants.

What is Legal Aid?

30 related questions found

What industry is a legal assistant?

Most paralegals and legal assistants work in law offices. Paralegals and legal assistants often work on teams with attorneys and other legal support staff. Paralegals and legal assistants work primarily in offices. Occasional travel may be required, such as to accompany attorneys to depositions or trials.

What is a good objective for a legal assistant on a resume?

Legal Assistant (Career Changer) Resume Objective Example

Implemented organizational strategies and managed large-scale projects, ensuring 100% compliance. Strong background in legal research and documentation, aiming to apply transferable skills in a law firm.

Is a legal assistant higher than a paralegal?

The main difference between paralegals and legal assistants is in the scope of their responsibilities. Paralegals typically have more extensive legal education and training, and may perform tasks such as legal research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with client communication.

What is another name for a paralegal?

A paralegal is a legal assistant.

What is the difference between a legal clerk and a legal assistant?

Law Clerks: Often use the role as a stepping stone to become paralegals, attorneys, or judges. Legal Assistants: May advance to senior administrative roles or specialized positions within legal departments.

What are legal assistance called?

Legal assistants, also known as paralegals, support lawyers by organizing legal documents, conducting research, and assisting during trials and hearings. They help gather case information and ensure the thorough organization of facts and paperwork, aiding lawyers in trial preparation.

What word can I use instead of legal?

Synonyms of legal
  • legitimate.
  • lawful.
  • justifiable.
  • regulation.
  • authorized.
  • constitutional.
  • legit.
  • licit.

What is a fancy word for support?

How is the word support different from other verbs like it? Some common synonyms of support are advocate, back, champion, and uphold.

What are legal secretaries called now?

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, have more substantive legal responsibilities. They work closely with attorneys and provide support in various legal tasks.

What is the word for legal advice?

counsel - Legal advice; a term used to refer to lawyers in a case. counterclaim - A claim that a defendant makes against a plaintiff.

What is the most a legal assistant can make?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $79,736 and as low as $29,093, the majority of Legal Assistant salaries currently range between $40,900 (25th percentile) to $59,300 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $71,654 annually in Los Angeles.

What is a paralegal assistant called?

March 2021) A paralegal, also known as a legal assistant or paralegal specialist, is a legal professional who performs tasks that require knowledge of legal concepts but not the full expertise of a lawyer with an admission to practice law.

What is better than a paralegal?

Lawyers are licensed to practice law and represent clients, whereas paralegals are not. This means that lawyers are typically more highly trained and better compensated than paralegals.

What is the title abbreviation for a paralegal?

CP or CLA is the post-nominal credential in the United States earned by paralegals who have passed the Certified Paralegal Exam and have met up education and experience requirements for certification as a CP or CLA.

Can you be called a paralegal without certification?

In California, you can work as a paralegal without a degree. However, California is the only state that mandates specific education for those using the title “paralegal,” as outlined in sections 6450 through 6456 of the Business and Professions Code.

What is the title of a legal assistant?

What Is a Legal Assistant? Legal assistants provide administrative support and customer service in a law office or similar setting. The term “legal assistant” can be used somewhat interchangeably with other job titles, including legal secretary and administrative assistant.

What is the highest paying paralegal?

Here are the 30 highest paying paralegal jobs:
  1. Paralegal Manager. $104,775. ...
  2. Legal Project Manager. $87,375. ...
  3. Intellectual Property Paralegal. $86,800. ...
  4. Nurse Paralegal. $82,687. ...
  5. Employment and Labor Law Paralegal. $80,685. ...
  6. Government Paralegal. $78,478. ...
  7. Senior Paralegal. $69,995. ...
  8. Corporate Paralegal. $66,134.

How do I describe my legal assistant on a resume?

Legal Assistant Resume Example:

Quantify your contributions, such as reducing case preparation time or improving document accuracy. Highly organized and detail-oriented Legal Assistant with 4 years of experience managing a high-volume caseload and collaborating with attorneys to draft and review legal documents.

What is a good objective for administrative assistant?

Objective. To secure a position which enables me to use my writing, organizational, and creative skills to make a positive contribution to the work environment and become an integral part of the company as its administrative assistant.

Why are you interested in being a legal assistant?

“I want to be a Legal Assistant primary because I am passionate about the law and I find the legal process intriguing. As a Legal Assistant, there is always something new to learn, and I enjoy the type of work where I must be organized, and where I must support others in the execution of their duties.